Cadillac confirms Zhou Guanyu as reserve driver for 2026 F1 debut

Cadillac has officially confirmed Zhou Guanyu as its reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, putting the final seal on a move that had been widely anticipated and giving the sport’s newest team another experienced asset ahead of its debut.

The announcement comes just days after Zhou’s departure from Ferrari was made public, bringing a swift end to his stint as a reserve driver with the Scuderia and opening the door to a fresh challenge with F1’s latest entrant.

For the 26-year-old, it is a timely opportunity to remain firmly embedded in the sport as Cadillac gears up for its first year on the grid.

A familiar face in a brand-new project

Zhou will reunite with Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon, who is also part of the Chinese driver’s management team, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the ambitious project.

While there had been speculation last year that Zhou could land one of the race seats, Cadillac ultimately opted for proven race winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas – the latter having been Zhou’s team-mate at Sauber for three seasons.

Still, Zhou’s enthusiasm for the role is clear as he looks ahead to supporting the team behind the scenes.

“I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut,” said the Chinese driver, who scored 16 points during his three years in F1.

“This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen. I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family.

“Having had recent experience on track and in developing the cars off track, I know I can add huge value to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and I am looking forward to supporting them the best way that I can.”

Zhou becomes part of a deep support roster at Cadillac, working alongside test driver Colton Herta and simulator drivers Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood.

While Herta is viewed as a potential future race driver, his lack of a superlicence means Zhou stands as a ready-made option should Perez or Bottas be unable to race.

A Thorough Driver Selection Process

Lowdon made it clear that Zhou’s appointment was the result of careful consideration rather than convenience.

“Our process for selecting a reserve driver has been as thorough as the search for our race drivers,” said Lowdon, who previously led the Virgin and Marussia Formula 1 teams.

“We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season.

“Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”

• Read also: Pat Symonds is back where his heart is thanks to Cadillac F1

With three pre-season tests scheduled in Barcelona and Bahrain before the season opener in Melbourne on 6–8 March, Zhou will have plenty of opportunities to embed himself within the Cadillac operation.

As the American marque prepares to take its first steps into Formula 1, securing an experienced, motivated and well-connected reserve driver looks like another confident move in an already eye-catching debut campaign.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook